Sexual violence

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What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is any sexual contact that is unwanted or against someone’s will. It includes all forms of sexual acts including rape, sexual assault, sexual touching, sexual harassment, sexting or threats of sexual violence.

Sexual violence means any touching that you don’t want or that makes you feel uncomfortable, including when you don’t feel able to say no.

Sexual violence is never your fault, no matter what you were wearing, who you were with, where you went or how much you had been drinking.

The person who commits the assault is always to blame for making the choice to commit assault.

Is rape always carried out by strangers?

No, most victims of sexual violence experience it from someone they know. Most studies have found that between 85 to 90 per cent of people knew their attacker. Rape can happen to anyone of any race, religion or social status.

Who are the victims?

Spouses and partners (and ex-spouses and ex-partners)

Adults and children

Men and women

Strangers and acquaintances

Sex workers

People with learning difficulties or mental health problems

Anyone

Is it my fault if I am drunk or wearing certain clothes?

No one is to blame for sexual assault except the perpetrator. Despite this, a study in the UK found that a quarter of people believe that a woman is at least partly to blame for being raped if she is wearing ‘sexy’ or revealing clothing, or is drunk.